How Do You Wean Out Of A Medically Induced Coma?
Weaning a patient from barbiturate-induced coma is a very complex medical procedure. An induced coma acts to protect the brain from further stress and damage caused by major neurosurgery or from status epilectus seizures that have been unresponsive to other treatments. The theory maintains that the barbiturates will decrease the flow of blood to the brain which will relieve the pressure and reduce the swelling thus allowing the brain to heal. Once the patient shows improvement in their condition, they are gradually weaned off the barbiturates and out of the medically induced coma. Familiarize yourself with the institution’s medically induced coma protocol. Review the medical history of the patient including the reason for which he was placed under a medically induced coma. Note the amount and type or combination of medications used to induce and maintain the medically induced coma. Consider the number of days or weeks the patient has been in the medically induced coma. Review and compa
